Locking and sealing device for container openings



Nov. 10, 1931. LAKE 1,830,949

LOCKING AND SEALING DEVICE FOR CONTAINER OPENINGS Filed June 14, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 llll IIIIII l l l llllUi 13a mm M K j4 ATTORNEY H. E. LAKE Nov. 10, 1931.

Filed June 14, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 j INVENTOR ATTORNEY v Nov. 10

H. E. LAKE 1,830,949

LOCKING AND SEALING DEVICE FOR CONTAINER OPENINGS Filed June 14, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Patented Nov. 10, 1931' UNITED STATES; PATENT OFF-ICE- :aAiaeY areas, or N w ea-x, N. Y, AssIeNoit TUBING CGRZEQ ro PREFERRED UTILITIES- MANUr o- ON, 0F NEW YURK, H.721, A. CGE PORATEGN OF DELAWARE v LOCKING AND SEALING DEVICE non CONTAINER OPENINGS Application filed June14, 1929. Serial No. 370,762;

lily invention consists in the novel features hereinafter described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings which show several embodiments of the same selected by me for purposes of illustration, and the said invention is fully. disclosed in the fol lowing-description and claimsj r i The object of. my invention is to'provide a simple and efficient means for locking a container opening, to prevent tampering therewith by unauthorized persons without leav-,

ing evidence thereof. My invention isparticularly applicable for locking and sealing the filling aperture or pipe of gasoline or fuel oil con aiziers, or the like, located at filling stations for supplying automotive vehicles,

for the prevention of substitution or adulteration of the liquid dispensed, although it may be used for other purposes. My invention also provides for ascertaining the quantity of liquid in the container at any time, by the use of a gauge stick, without interfering with the locking and sealing device, and in the preferred form of my invention, without the necessity of allowing the gauge stick to remain in the container in contact with the liquid.

In the accompanying drawings which il-' iustrate several embodiments of my invention selected byme for purposes of illustraion,

F g. 1 represents a sectional view of a fillingpipe for gasoline tanks provided with the preferred form ofmy locking and seal1ngdevice, in locking and sealing position therein.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the; same with the cover of the filling pipe removed.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the locking and sealing device in released position preparatory to removal from the filling pipe. 1

Fig. t isa view partly in section and partly in elevation of the locking and sealing device detached, and rotated 90 degrees from the position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. r

Fig, 5 is a sectional. view of the filling pipe withthe locking and sealing device in operative relation therewith, taken on line 55 of 2, and illustrating the manner of inserting and removing the gauge stick.

Fig. 6 is a horizontalsection on line 66 ofFig.5..

Fig.7 is a horizontal ofFig.5.

Fig. 8 is atop plan view of a frangible seal which may be conveniently employed for sealing and locking devices.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the seal on line 9 -9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a' vertical sectional View of a section on line 77 filling pipe showingfla modification of my invention.

'Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view of the same taken in a plane; at 'aii angle of 90 de grees fronithe plane of section in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a detail view illustrating a differentform of sealing means for the locking device I In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. -1 to. 9 inclusive, 1 represents the.

filling pipe to be protected, as for example the "filling pipe fora gasoline tank, and2 representsthe usual flush boxior terminal box screwed on the upper end of the pipe in the usual manner and-permanently locked to the pipe in anyu sual or preferred manner,

so as to prevent its removal therefrom. The

flush box is provided interiorly with an annular recess, 4, forming shoulders,-5, 5, at its upper and lower ends, and the upper part of the box is provided with the interior screw threads, 6, and With an annular recess, 7, to receive a packing ring, 8. 9 represents the usual cap or closurefor the flush box, having a threaded portion, 10, for engaging the threaded portion,6, of. the box, and provided wit-lira flush top of greater diameter than thethreaded portion to engage the packing ring, 8, and seal the pipe against dust and moisture; The closure, 9, is also conveniently provided with the usual key recess, indicated at11, to facilitate itsr-emoval and replacement.

The preferred form of locking and I which are bosses, indicated at 16, 16, which are bored coaxially to each receive a sliding locking pin or bolt, 17, for convenience of assembly. Each of the bolts, 17, is provided with an enlarged head, 18, inserted in a guiding sleeve, 19, having its internal diameter fitting the enlarged head, 18, and its external diameter fitting the bore of the boss, 16, the outer end of said sleeve being provided with an inwardly extending annular flange, 20, forming an aperture to fit the portion of the bolt, 17, of smaller diameter, the inner end. of the sleeve being provided with an outwardly extending annular flange or projection, 21, to engage the inner face of the boss. The coil spring, 22', is inserted inthe sleeve, surrounding the portion of the bolt of smaller diameter between the head, 18, and the flange, 20. The bolt, spring and sleeve are assembled and then inserted in the boss, 16. The distance between the bosses, 16, 16, is slightly greater than the length of the sleeve, and each of the bosses is cut away, as indicated at 23, to form a recess at one side of the same, of a diameter equal to that of the smaller portion of the bolt, so that the portion of the bolt which projects beyond the outer edge of the sleeve can be passed through this 19, in the bosses.

recess to facilitate the insertion of the sleeves, The bottom of the recess, 15-, is provided with a vertical stem, 24, riveted or otherwise secured thereto, and extending upwardly between the bosses, 16, and carrying a vertically movable tape-ring wedge member, 25, constructed to engage the inner faces of the enlarged portions, 18, of the bolts, 17. This wedge, 25, is provided with a vertical, enlarged bore, 26, which is of greater diameter than the stem, 24, and terminates at the bottomin an aperture of smaller diameter, having a guiding engagement on said stem, thus forming an annular shoulder, indicated at 27. The stem, 24, is pro-- vided adjacent to its upper end with an en larged portion, having a guiding engagement in said bore and forming a shoulder, 28, to engage the shoulder, 27, and act as a stop to limit the upward movement of the wedge, as indicated in Fig. 3. The wedge member, 25, is provided at its'upper end with lateral exterior projections, 29, see Fig. 5, to facilitate lifting the wedge with the finger and thumb. Above the shoulder, 28, of the stem, the latter is ro ided with means for engaging a seal so that the wedge member cannot be raised from its lowest position with respect to the stem, 24, without leaving evidence of such operation. In this instance I have shown the upper end of the stem above the shoulder, 28, provided with a neck, 30, of reduced diameter, above which is a tapering or conical looking head, 31, constructed to beengag'ed by a frangible seal, indicated as a whole at 32, and illustrated in detail in Figs. 8 and 9. This seal is composed of a thin brittle plate of suitable material, provided with an aperture, 33, of slightly less diameter than that of the locking head, 31, from which radial slits, 34, extend to form lips, 35, which are struck up into inclined position, as indicated in F ig. 9, so that they may be pressed over the locking head, 31, and will engage the under surface of the same, surrounding the neck, 30, of the stem, 24. For convenience, the seal is preferably-provided with a downwardly extending portion, 36, at one end and with an upturned hand engaging portion, 37, at the other. The seal is also preferably weakened by means of slots, 38, extending inwardly from opposite sides and into two of the oppositely disposed lips, 35, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. This seal is preferably formed of very thin tempered metal, as steel for example, and it is therefore very brittle, so that while thelips, 35, will have sufficient resilience to enable the seal to be slipped over the locking head, 31, to seal the locking device, any attempt to disengage the lips, 35, to permit the removal of the seal will break the lips or some of the them, or break the seal across the line of the slots, 38, and show that t'hefseal has been tamperedwith. I also prefor to plate the seal with nickel or other suitable plating, which would be destroyed or injured by any attempt to withdraw the temper from the seal by heating, which affords further protection against tampering with the seal.

It is desirable from time to time to insert a gauge stick into the tank to determine the liquid level 'therein, where no other means is provided for indicating the liquid leveL- It is desirable that this gauge stick should not be le'ftin the tank subject continuously to the action of the liquid therein. I, therefore, provide in the preferred form of my invention means for permitting the gauge stick to be inserted-and passed through the locking device while it is locked and sealed in the filling pipe, while at the same time providin g means for preventing any liquid from being introduced into the filling pipe when locked and sealed through the apertures provided for the gauge stick. In this instance I have shown"- the top plate, 13, of the body Of'fl IGlOCki'Irg device provided with an angular slot, indicated at 49, the walls of the slot beingprovided on at least one side, as shown, with recessed portions, indicated at 40", which increase the width of the slots, except at the ends and at the junction of the angular" portions of the slot. The bottom plate, 14, the body of the locking device is provided with a similarly shaped slot, indicated at 42, having the recesses, 42 said slot being in registration with the slot, 40. Between the upper and lower plates of the main body, I provide horizontal transverse partition, indicated at 43', having an aperture, 44.; therein, to receive" a ball valve, indicated at its 45, and at one side of this aperture the pars tition is provided with a curved recess, indicated at 44, see Figs. 4 and 6, .to permit the ball to be moved a limited distance oil of its seat. e

The bottom plate, 14, is provided with a pivoted closure plate, indicated at 46, pivoted at 47, and being'of substantially triangular shape, so that when it is in horizontom of a recess, 51, in the bottom plate, 14.

The closing device, 46, is thus held very deli cately balanced, so that if the ball valve, 45, were tilted off of its seat upon the edges of the aperture, 43, by inserting a wire, for example through the upper slot, 40, and'it was attempted to pour liquid through said slot, 40, the liquid would fall upon theouter end of'the plate, 46, and tilt it down into position to close the slot, 42, andhold it in closed position, so as to prevent'any liquid from passing into the containerto be protected.

In connection with this device I employ a gauge stick, indicated at 52, which is of angular shape in cross-section, as shown, and of a size to lit the reduced portions of the registering slots, 40 and 42. The lower end of the gauge stick is also preferably beveled, as indicated at 53. The gauge stick is preferably formed of brass or other suitable metal, and may be colored by painting, oxidizing, or otherwise, preferably black, and may, if desired, be provided with indications which will show the depth to which it is inserted in the liquid in the container. 7

The body, '12, of the locking device is made of the correct size-to fit within the filling pipe, 1, and the upper plate, 13, is provided with an annular shoulder, 13a,- projecting laterally beyond the body portion, To insort the locking device in thefilling pipe, the wedge member, 25, is raised to its highestposition so as to permit the withdrawal of the locking bolts, 17, by their springs, 22, and the device is then lowered into the filling pipe, and a packing washer, indicated at 1 is preferably placed within the flush box in engagement with the upper end of the threaded portion of the filling pipe. The locking device is lowered into the fillingpipe through the flush box; until the annular shoulder, 13 engages the packing ring, 1,

5 so that the device is supported in such position that the locking bolts will be just below the shoulders, 5, of the flush box, as shown in Fig. 8. The wedge member is then pushed downwardly into the recess, 15, thereby movfilling pipe is efi'ectively locked and sealedagainst any possibility of tampering with it by unauthorized persons, or theintroduction of any liquid intotthe container through the filling pipe without breaking the seal. The cap or cover, 9, is then screwed into the flush box to protect the device from dust and moisture.

vIf it is desired to gauge the liquid in the container, the cover, 9, is removed and the gauge stick, 52, is inserted in the angular slot, 40, far'enough'to engage the ball valve, 45, and move it laterally oil ofits seat and into engagement with theirecess, 44". WVhen the ball is in the recess, it will engage the angularly disposed portions of the gauge stick,'52, in the manner indicated in Fig. 6 and act as a positioning guide for the stick, so;that as the gauge stick'is pushed downwardly, its lower end will be guided past the pivotedclosing plate, 46, as shown in Fig. 7, without tripping the latter, and into-engage ment with the lower slot, 42. The gauge stick can then be pushed down until it engages the bottom of the tank, and withdrawn when the upper edge of the wetted: portion of the gauge stick will show theliquid level in the tank and indicate the amount of contents thereof. It will be noted that the function of the recesses, 40*? and42 in the slots, 40 and 42, is to prevent wiping oil the liquid from the outer face of the gauge as it is w..thdrawn, so that the. wetted portions can be readily seen. Itlwill thus be seen that the tank can be gauged at any time by the use of the gauge stick, without in any way interfering with the locked and sealed condition of y cannot be removed'without breaking it, and

the wedgemember cannot be raised to release The seal, 32, is their the locking bolts without breakingthe seal,

and as previously stated, no liquid can be introduced into the tank through the slots provided for the gauge stick.

When an authorized person desires to fill the shoulders, 27 and 28, are brought-into contact, as shown in Fig. 3. The container is then filled, the locking device is replaced and relocked by depressing the wedge member, 25,- and sealed with a fresh seal.

Where the tank is provided with other means for gauging the depth of liquid, obviating the necessity of using a gauge stick at all, or where the gauge stick is to be left in the tank at all times when it is not in use and is provided withv means for preventing its removal from engagement with the locking device, it is unnecessary to provide the looking device with the ball valve and closing plate previously described, and the construction of the locking and sealing device may be considerably simplified as illustrated for example in Figs. and 11, in which partscorresponding to those shown in Figs. lto 9 inclusive are given the same numerals with the addition of 100. In these figures, I have shown the filling pipe, 101, provided with a flush box or terminal box, 102, which in this instance may be taken to represent one'of the many forms of terminal boxes now in'use, in which the vertical height of the annular recess, 104, may vary considerably, and in 10 and 11 is shown of considerably greater height than in thepreceding figures. In this instance the body, 112, of the locking device is a simple cylindrical shell which may be open at the bottom, and isiprovided with the top plate, 113, having the projecting flange, 113 and carrying the locking and sealing means, constructed and operating exactly as previously described. As it is desirable that the locking bolts, indicated at 117, 11?, should engage as closely as possible the upper shoulders, 105, of the flush box, where the recess, 104, is of greater height than the distance between the top plate, 113, and the top surface of the bolts, I provide an annular spacing collar, indicated at 112 sur-' rounding the body, 112, immediately below the flange, 113 and preferably riveted there to, as indicated at 112*, or otherwise'perma nent-ly secured to the body, 112, the said spaciug collar being of suiiicient vertical height to engage the packing ring,101, (or the upper ed ge of the pipe,- 101), and support-the lock ing device in such position that the bolts,when projected by the wedge member, 125, will project into the recess, 104, immediately below the shoulder, 105. as shown in Figs. 10 and 1. 5. It willbe understood that these spacing collars will be furnished with any form of my locking and sealing device, and may be made of different lengths so as to accommodate them to the different vertical heights of the recessed portions of flush boxes or terminal boxes now in use. Such a spacing sleeve can be applied to the form of locking device shown in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusiveif desired, and I have shown the body, 12, of that device'provided with a rivet hole, 12, for the attachma am ment of such a spacing sleeve or collar where that'inay be necessary. If it is not desired to use a gauge stick at all for determining the depth of the liquid in the tank after the looking device is locked and sealed, the top plate, 113, may be impervious, but where it is desired to use the gauge stick with this simplified form of the device, as for example in Fig. 11, I provide the top plate, 113, with a slot 14:0, to receive a gauge stick, 152, which may be either round, as indicated in Fig. 11, or of any other cross-section, and which is of such length that when it rests on the bottom of the tank, the upper end will be within the flush boxand project far enough above the plate, 113, to permit it to be grasped, but not far enough to interfere with screwing in the flush closure or cap, 109. In this instance, however, for the purpose of preventing liquid from being improperly introduced into the tank through the filling pipe, the gauge stick, 152, will-be provided with means for preventing it from'being withdrawn entirely from the slot, 1 10. In this instance the gauge stick, 152, is shown provided adjacent to its lower end with a stop pin or enlargement, 152, for this purpose. -With' this simplified form of the locking and sealing device, the tank can be filled and the filling pipe locked and sealed in the manner previously described, and no unauthorized person can remove the locking device without breaking the seal, or introduce liquid into the tank, and where the slot, 140,

is provided, the gauge stick may be employed at any time for ascertaining the depth of the liquid in the tank or container, by simply removing the cap, 109, and using the gauge stick, which is returned to the position indicated in Fig. 11, and the cap replaced.

I do not limit myself to the particular sealing means herein previously described and illustrated in the drawings, Figs. 1 to 11, as other forms of sealing means may be employed in connection with thelocking mechanism of the locking device. For example in Fig. 12, in which the parts corresponding to those shown in Figs, 1 to 9 inclusive are given the same reference numerals with the addition of 200, I have shown the upper end of the-locking stem,224, provided with an aper- 1.

ture, in the neck portion, 230, below the head, 23-1, to rec'eivea sealing wire, and the upper end of; the stem is provided with a sealing washer, 232, having a central aperture of just sufli'cient diameter to enable it to he slipped over the sealing head, 230, alter which a seal ing wire, 233, is passed through the aperture, in the neck. 2807, and sealed with the usual lead scab- 284, in a well known way, so that the locking device cannot be tampered with by unauthorized persons, without breaking the wire,- 233, or the seal, 23%. This is merely illustrative of one of a number'of methods whichmay be employed to seal the locking device so that the wedge member cannot be raised by unauthorized persons, leaving evidence of tampering. 7 It will be readily understood that by the use of-my locking and sealing devices shown and described, distributors having a well known product, like gasoline vtor example, can supply their retail dealers from time to time with the liquid, by introducing it into the storage tank of the retailer through the '10 filling pipe in the usualmanner, after which the filling pipe can be locked and'sealed in 1. In a device of the kind described,the

combination with a main body for closing the opening tobe protected, a plurality of hori zontal projecting locking bolts carried said main body, and a Vertically movable wedge member for projecting said bolts.

2. In a device of the kind described the combination with a main body for closing the opening to be protected, a plurality of horizontal projecting locking bolts carriedby said main body, and a vertically movable wedge member for projecting said bolts, and lf)rangible sealing means for said wedge mem- 3. In a device of the kind described, the combination with a main body for, closing the opening to be protected, a plurality of horizontal projecting locking bolts carried by said-main body, retracting means for said bolts, a vertical stem securedto said main body and projecting above the same, and a vertically movable wedge member having a guiding engagement with said sternfor engaging and projectingsaid bolts.

4. In a device of thekind describedptlie 4 combination with a main body for closing the opening; to be protected, a plurality of horizontal projecting-locking bolts carried by said main body, retracting means for said bolts, a vertical stem secured tosaid main body and projecting above the same, anda vertically movable wedge member havinga guiding engagement with. said stem for engaging and'projecting said bolts, said stem havinga portion extending above the wedge member when in locking position, afrangible sealing means for engaging the upwardly eX- tending portion of said stem, and means for limiting the relative'mov'ement of said locking member with respect to said stem.

5. In a device of the kind described, the combination with a main body for closing the openingto beprotected, centrally 10 for engaging said locking'head, and a plufrangible plate provided with an aperture cated'vertically disposed stem connectedwith "said main body, horizontally aperturedportions of said main body disposed radially with respect to said stem, horizontally disposed locking bolts carriedby said ape r tured portions of the main body, retracting springs forsaid bolts, and a vertically mov able wedging member having aguiding'engagement with said stem and provided with inclined portions for engaging andzproject- T ing said bolts.

.6. In a device of the kindldescribed, the combination with at main body, for closing the opening'tobe protected,taplurality of horizontal projecting locking bolts carried 1.- by said main body, a vertically disposed centrally located stem secured to said main'body, a vertically movable wedge member havinga guiding engagement with said vstem for engaging and'projecting said bolts, said stem having an enlarged locking head extending above the locking member when in locking position, and a frangible seal, comprising a frangible plate provided with an aperture )0 rality of inclined lips surrounding said aper ture adapted to be sprung over said head 7 into locking engagement therewith,

7.IIn-a deviceof the kindidescribed,'the combination with a main body for closing; the opening to be protected, a plurality of horizontal projecting locking bolts carried by said main body,a vertically disposed'centrally located stem secured to saidmain bodyyayertically movable wedge member 1 9 having a guiding engagement with said stem for engaging and projecting saidbolts, said stem having an enlarged locking head I extending. above the locking member when in looking position, and a frangible seal comlj prising a frangible plate provided :With an aperture for engaging said locking head, and a plurality of inclined lips surroundingsmd aperture adapted to be-sprung over said head into locking engagement'thereWith,'-said seal being formed of thin tempered metal."

8. In a device'of the-kind described, the' combinationwith a main body for closing the said main body, a vertically disposed centrally'lo catedstem secured to said mainbody, a vertically movable wedge member having a guiding engagement with said stem ifor engaging and projecting said bolts, said stem" position, and a frangible seal comprising a for engaging" said locking head, and a plurality of inclined lips surrounding said aper- V ture adapted to be sprung overasaid heafd into'locking engagement therewith, said seal being formed of thin tempered-metal.

'9 In a device of the kind descr1bed,'the r 1120 having anenlarged'locking headeXtending' above thelockingmemberwhen' 1n locking combination with a main body for closing the opening to be protected, .a plurality of horizontal projecting locking bolts carried by said main body, a vertically disposed centrally located stem secured to said main body, a vertically movable wedge member having a guiding engagement with said stem for engaging and projecting said bolts, said stem having an enlarged locking head extending above the locking member when in locking position, and a frangible seal comprising a frangible plate provided with an aperture for engaging said locking head, and a plurality of inclined lips surrounding said aperture adapted to be sprung over said head into locking engagement therewith, said seal being composed of thin tempered metal provided on opposite sides with weakeningslots extending into the adjacent lips, one end of said seal being provided with an upturned hand engaging portion on one side ofsaid weakening slot, and the opposite end of said seal being provided with a downwardly extending angular portion. I

10. The combination with a filling pipe and a terminalbox secured thereto and provided with an interior annular recessed portion forming a shoulder at its upper end,'of a locking device for said filling pipe, comprising a cylindrical main body having a closing plate at its upper end provided with anoutwardly projectingsupporting flange for supporting said main body on the upper edge of said filling pipe, said closing plate being provided with horizontal projecting locking bolts for engaging the annular'recess in said terminal box, retracting springs for said bolts, a vertically movable wedge member having a limited movement with respect to said closing plate for engaging and projecting said bolts and sealing means for said wedge member when in locking position.

11. The combination with a filling pipe and a terminal box secured thereto and provided with aninterior annular recessed portion forming a shoulder at its upper end, of a locking device for said filling pipe, comprising a cylindrical main body having a closing plate at its upper end provided with an outwardlyproje cting supporting flange for supporting said main body on the upper edge of said filling pipe, said closing plate being provided with horizontal projecting locking bolts for engaging the annular recess in said terminal box, retracting springs for said bolts, a vertically movable wedge member having a limited movement with respectto said closing plate forengaging. and project- 'l-ng said bolts and sealing means for said wedgemember when in locking position, and a spacing sleeve secured to said main body thelow the supporting flange thereof, for sup porting said main body with the locking bolts in operative relation with said shoulders of said terminal box.

ing position.

12, The combination with a'filling pipe and a terminal box secured thereto and provided with an interior annular recessed portion forming a shoulder at its upper end, of a locking device for said filling pipe, comprising a cylindrical main body having a closing plate at its upper end provided with an outwardly projectingsupporting flange for supporting said main body on the upper edge of said filling pipe, said closing plate being probody provided witha closing plate at the top and at the bottom of the same, having connected angular slots therein for the reception of a gauge stick angular in cross-section, said main body being provided interiorly with a =horizontal partition having an aperture therein, a ball valve seated in said aperture, said main body being provided'at its upper end with a plurality of horizontal propecting locking bolts, a vertically movable wedge'member for projecting said bolts, and

means for sealing said wedge member in lock- 14. a device of the kind described,'the combination with a hollow cylindrical main body provided with a closing plate at the top and at the bottom of the same, havingconnected angular slots therein for the reception ofa gauge stick angular in cross-section, said main body being provided interiorly with a horizontal partition having an apexture therein, a ball valve seated in said aperture, said main body'being provided at its upper end with a plurality ofhorizontal projecting locking bolts, a vertically movable wedge member for projecting said bolts, and means for sealing said wedge member in looking position, a pivotally mounted closing plate tor closing the slot in the closing plate at the lower end of saidmain body, and pro vided w thcounterbalancingmeans for hold- 'ing it in open position and out of the path 1 of the gauge stick.

ltifln a device of the kind described,'the

combination with a hollow cylindrical main body provided with a closing plate at the top and at thebottom of the same, having connected angular slots therein for the reception oi a gauge stick. angular in cross-section, said main body being prov ded interiorly with a horizontal partition havlng an apcr ture therein, a ball valve seated 1n said apex ture, said main body being provided at its upper end with a plurality of horizontal projecting locking bolts, a vertically movable wedge member for projecting said bolts, and means for sealing said wedge member in locking position, a pivotally mounted closing device for closing the slot in the closing plate at the lower end of said main body, and provided with counterbalancing means for holding it in open position and out of the path of the gauge rod, said partition of the main body being provided with a recess for holding said ball when in unseated position, in position to engage the angular gauge stick, and hold it in alignment with the slot in the closing plate at the lower end of said main body.

16. In a device of the kind described, the combination with a hollow cylindrical main body provided with a closing plate at the top and at the bottom of the same, having connected angular slots therein for the reception of a gauge stick angular in cross-section, said main body being provided 'interiorly with a horizontal partition having an aperture therein, a ball valve seated in said aperture,

said main body being provided at its upper end with a plurality of horizontal pr0jecting locking bolts, a vertically movable wedge member torprojecting said bolts, and means for sealing said wedge member in looking position, said angular'slots in the closing plates having their main portions of greater width than the portions at their ends and at the junction of the angularly disposed portions of said slots, to prevent the removal of liquid from the gauge stick.

17. The combination with a filling pipe and a terminal box secured thereto and provided with an interior annular'recess, of a locking and scaling device comprising a hol-- low mainbody adapted to removably fit said filling pipe, and having its upperand lower ends provided with closing plates having connected angular gauge slotstherein, said main body being provided with a horlzontal partition having an aperture therein and a ball valve seated in said aperture, the upper closing plate being provided with a centrally located recess, a vertical stem secured to the bottom thereof and projectingabove the said plate, horizontally disposed locking bolts dis- I posed radially with respect to said stem, a

vertically movable wedge member having a guiding engagement with and a limited movement with respect to said stem, and provided with inclined portions for engaging and projecting said bolts, said stem extending above said wedge member when in look ing position and being provided with means for engaging a frangible seal, the lower plate of said mainbody being provided with a pivoted counter-balanced closing device normally held out of alignment with said connected slots and adapted to close the slot in said lower plate.

18. The combination with a filling pipe and a terminal box secured thereto and provided with an interior annular recess, of a locking and sealing device comprising a hollow main body adapted to removably fit said filling pipe, and having its upper and lower ends provided with closing plates having connected angular gauge slots therein, said main body being provided with a horizontal partition having an aperture therein and a ball valve seated in said aperture, the upper close.

ing plate being provided with a centrally located recess, a vertical stem secured to the bottom thereof and projecting above the said plate, horizontally disposed locking bolts disposed radially with respect to said stem, a

vertically movable wedge member having a guiding engagement with and a limited movement with respect to saidstem, and provided with inclined portions for engaging and projecting said bolts, said stem extending above said wedge member when in lock- I ing position and being provided with means for engaging a frangible seal, the lower plate of saidmain body being provided with a pivoted counter-balanced closing device normally held. outv of alignment with said aligned slots and adapted to close the slot in said lower plate, a removable gauge stick tically disposed stem secured thereto, and

lugs provided with horizontal apertures havlng their axes disposed radlally with respect to said stem, a sleeve engaging each of said lug apertures, provided with a retaining flange at its inner end and having a boltaperture at its outer end, a locking boltengaging each of said sleeves and having a locking portion of reduced diameter extending through said bolt aperture, and a spring in each of said sleeves surrounding the reduced portion of the bolt, and a vertically movable wedge member having a guiding engagement with said stem and a limited vertical movement with respect thereto, and having inclined portions for engaging and projecting said bolts,sa1d stem having a portion extending above said wedge member when in locking position, and provided with means for engaging airangible seal.

In testimony whereof I atlix my signature. HARRY E. l 

